Indian Athletes Arrive in Japan as Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Near Opening

The 2026 Asian Games are entering their final preparation phase, with Indian athletes now arriving in Japan ahead of the official opening ceremony in Nagoya on September 19.

India is sending a 503-athlete contingent, comprising 269 men and 234 women, for the Aichi-Nagoya Games. The team will compete across a broad programme that includes athletics, badminton, boxing, shooting, wrestling, hockey, kabaddi, cricket, weightlifting and several other sports.

Indian athletes from several disciplines have already reached Nagoya. Wushu and table tennis players, along with some badminton players, were among those who began checking in on September 16. The Indian wushu contingent, for example, reached Nagoya before beginning the registration process.

However, the arrival process has not been completely smooth.

Reports have highlighted accommodation and accreditation problems affecting sections of the Indian delegation. Some rowers reportedly faced delays in securing rooms, while questions were also raised over the registration details of some athletes and coaches.

The organisers have said they are working to address accommodation-related concerns as athletes from across Asia arrive in Japan. The unusual accommodation arrangements are part of Aichi-Nagoya's effort to use existing infrastructure rather than construct a traditional athletes' village.

The Indian team arrives after its record-breaking performance at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou, where it won 107 medals — 28 gold, 39 silver and 41 bronze.

Several familiar names will headline India's campaign in Japan, including PV Sindhu, Manu Bhaker, Mirabai Chanu, Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Avinash Sable.

India's athletics contingent will be particularly important, with the sport traditionally contributing a significant share of the country's Asian Games medals. Badminton, shooting, wrestling, boxing, archery and weightlifting are also expected to attract considerable attention.

India will also defend its recent success in team sports.

Both the men's and women's cricket teams are scheduled to compete in the T20 competition, while India's men's and women's kabaddi teams will also be looking to continue their strong Asian Games record.

India's competitive action has already begun in some disciplines before the formal opening ceremony. The women's cricket team is scheduled to begin its campaign on September 18, while teqball marks an early start for India's competition programme.

The Asian Games officially run from September 19 to October 4, bringing together athletes from across the continent.

The 2026 edition features 43 sports, combining Olympic disciplines with popular Asian sports and newer competitions. The programme includes athletics, swimming, gymnastics, cycling, shooting, wrestling, kabaddi, wushu, cricket, esports and several emerging sports.

For India, the immediate focus is now on settling into the Japanese venues, completing final training sessions and preparing for competition.

As more members of the Indian delegation arrive in Nagoya, attention will increasingly turn from preparations to performance.

The opening ceremony on September 19 will officially mark the start of the Games, but India's sporting campaign is already getting underway.